Latest news with #Abri
BBC News
21-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
All 188 residents to move out after Bristol tower block fire
All 188 residents living in a city centre tower block have been asked to move out following a crews were called to the flats in Marybush Lane, near Castle Park in Bristol at about 17:20 BST on Tuesday. Ten people were rescued from the fourth floor and a number of residents were treated for smoke manager for Avon Fire and Rescue Service, Paul Smith, has now confirmed the fire was caused by the charging of an e-scooter and that it has been recorded as an "accidental ignition".Abri housing association, which manages the tower block, has emailed all residents asking them to move out, as there is no water and power and they are "unsure" when it will be restored. Helen Wilson, regional managing director at Abri, said the housing association is helping with temporary accommodation and housing added that their repairs team is currently assessing the extent of the water damage to understand the works required and how long it will take."The safety of our customers is our highest priority," said Ms Wilson."Electricity and water was turned off at the building due to the amount of water damage on site. "We understand this is a distressing time for our customers, our housing colleagues are on site supporting our customers including providing temporary accommodation and subsidising food and travel expenses. "We will continue to update our customers regularly as more information becomes available." Crews from Temple, Bedminster, Southmead, Kingswood, Patchway and Avonmouth were involved in tackling the Smith told the BBC no smoke damage spread through the building, but added there was some water damage caused by the said fires caused by charging e-scooters is becoming "more and more commonplace in our communities", adding that people must "buy safely".He also advised people not to "tamper or alter the units at all"."Never over-charge them and don't charge them when you're away from home or at night," he added."Don't charge them in areas where it will block your escape route or in communal areas either."
Muscat Daily
05-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Omani research links mobile learning with better English skills
Muscat – Mobile-assisted learning techniques significantly improve vocabulary and speaking skills among English language learners, a study conducted in Oman has found. Led by Dr Abdullah bin Humaid Abdullah al Abri of University of Technology and Applied Sciences Nizwa, the research investigated the use of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) tools in classrooms. It concluded that students using mobile platforms showed better lexical fluency and oral performance than those taught through conventional methods. 'Teachers reported positive views on the flexibility and effectiveness of MALL tools, highlighting their potential to enhance language teaching practices,' said Abri. The study also found that MALL promoted a more student-centred environment, encouraging participation from learners typically hesitant to speak in class. Qualitative data showed that students were more engaged and motivated when using mobile tools for vocabulary acquisition and speaking practice. Dr Abdullah bin Humaid Abdullah al Abri of University of Technology and Applied Sciences Nizwa The findings were part of a project titled 'Exploring Learning-Oriented Assessment in Enhancing Students' Lexical Fluency through MALL', published in the journal Education and Information Technologies . The research was conducted in collaboration with Dr Fatemeh Ranjbaran Madiseh from Sultan Qaboos University and Dr Mostafa Morady Moghaddam from Shahrood University of Technology in Iran. The project was one of 13 winners at the 11th National Research Award organised by Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, taking top honours in the PhD category under the Education and Human Resources field. 'This recognition inspires me to continue pursuing innovative projects that contribute to language learning and education,' Abri said.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Tourism ministry steps up efforts ahead of Dhofar khareef
Salalah – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has begun reviewing readiness of hotels and tourism establishments in Dhofar ahead of the 2025 khareef season with the aim of improving service quality and ensuring compliance with updated regulations. The efforts include inspections and consultations with licensed establishments across the governorate. An introductory workshop was held at Al Baleed Archaeological Park in Salalah on Monday, where tourism operators were briefed on the ministry's expectations and support tools for the upcoming season. Key areas of focus included hotel service standards, complaint resolution mechanisms and promotional strategies tailored to the monsoon season. Participants were introduced to the 'Tajawub' platform, a digital system designed to manage visitor complaints and respond to tourism-related enquiries. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the workshop was part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to uphold service standards. 'We currently have 80 licensed hospitality establishments in the governorate and expect this number to reach 120 by the end of 2025,' he said. Abri also outlined MHT's promotional strategy for the season developed in coordination with tourism offices, airlines and car rental companies. The plan includes packages designed to attract a wide range of visitors to Dhofar. The khareef season, which runs from June 21 to September 21, continues to grow in popularity. More than 1mn tourists visited Dhofar during the 2024 season, up from 962,000 in 2023, confirming its status as a key event in Oman's tourism calendar.
Muscat Daily
21-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Tourism ministry steps up efforts ahead of Dhofar khareef
Salalah – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has begun reviewing readiness of hotels and tourism establishments in Dhofar ahead of the 2025 khareef season with the aim of improving service quality and ensuring compliance with updated regulations. The efforts include inspections and consultations with licensed establishments across the governorate. An introductory workshop was held at Al Baleed Archaeological Park in Salalah on Monday, where tourism operators were briefed on the ministry's expectations and support tools for the upcoming season. Key areas of focus included hotel service standards, complaint resolution mechanisms and promotional strategies tailored to the monsoon season. Participants were introduced to the 'Tajawub' platform, a digital system designed to manage visitor complaints and respond to tourism-related enquiries. Khalid bin Abdullah al Abri, Director General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, said the workshop was part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to uphold service standards. 'We currently have 80 licensed hospitality establishments in the governorate and expect this number to reach 120 by the end of 2025,' he said. Abri also outlined MHT's promotional strategy for the season developed in coordination with tourism offices, airlines and car rental companies. The plan includes packages designed to attract a wide range of visitors to Dhofar. The khareef season, which runs from June 21 to September 21, continues to grow in popularity. More than 1mn tourists visited Dhofar during the 2024 season, up from 962,000 in 2023, confirming its status as a key event in Oman's tourism calendar.
BBC News
12-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Housing association Abri proposes 106 new homes in Bracknell
A housing block with crumbling concrete in its structure could be demolished and replaced with brand new association Abri has revealed plans to redevelop Hambleden and Hurley Courts in Woodmere, Bracknell, into 106 association, which merged with Silva Homes in November, said it discovered Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, known as RAAC, in the structure of the buildings last Abri spokesperson said it had put in temporary measures to keep residents safe, but the building must be demolished. Existing residents would be permanently rehoused in other Abri properties within the area, according to the Local Democracy Reporting 1960s-style buildings are situated two miles (3.2km) from Bracknell town shared by Abri show the number of homes would increase from 72 to 106, including 30 three-bedroom homes suitable for homes provided would be available for social or affordable plans also indicate homes would be made gas free, with new landscaping and pedestrian routes, 138 car parking spaces and electric charging is holding a public consultation on the plans, which residents can attend between 16:00 and 20:00 GMT. After the consultation, the firm intends to submit its plans to Bracknell Forest Council by Quinn, from Abri, said the plans would meet an "urgent need for good quality affordable housing" for families and individuals in said: "We will provide modern and sustainable homes for the local community, within a new landscaped setting and close to public transport links."Alongside this we are currently working with our existing residents to permanently rehouse them in other Abri properties, so they will continue to live in high quality homes."Plans previously submitted to the council in 2022 showed a wide range of issues with the existing building, including damp, ventilation, security and fire safety.A Fire Risk Assessment in the same year also found a number of potential fire risks within the blocks - but proposals to carry out a wide range of refurbishments to the buildings were consultation will be held at St Paul's Church in Harmans Water, Bracknell. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
